ABSTRACT
Parallel to the decline of traditional heavy industries in County Durham has been the rise of factory industry. This began in the inter-war period. As described in chapters 10 and 12, efforts to bring industry to the county intensified after the war and have continued up to the present. New towns such as Newton Aycliffe and Peterlee were one focus for development. Another characteristic pattern, however, has been the establishment of industrial estates in existing settlements, particularly those categorised as ‘growth points’ by the County Development Plan. Spennymoor is one such centre.
